Bearing assemblies including integrated lubrication, bearing apparatuses, and methods of use

ABSTRACT

Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to bearing assemblies that include integrated lubrication, bearing apparatuses including such bearing assemblies, and related methods. For example, a lubricated bearing assembly may include a lubricant that may lubricate the bearing surface thereof during operation of the lubricated bearing assembly and/or bearing apparatus including the lubricated bearing assembly.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/562,165 filed on 5 Dec. 2014 (now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,523,386), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein, in its entirety, by this reference.

BACKGROUND

Subterranean drilling systems that employ downhole drilling motors are commonly used for drilling boreholes in the earth for oil and gas exploration and production. A subterranean drilling system typically includes a downhole drilling motor that is operably connected to an output shaft. Bearing apparatuses (e.g., thrust, radial, tapered, and other types of bearings) also may be operably coupled to the downhole drilling motor. A rotary drill bit configured to engage a subterranean formation and drill a borehole is connected to the output shaft. As the borehole is drilled with the rotary drill bit, pipe sections may be connected to the subterranean drilling system to form a drill string capable of progressively drilling the borehole to a greater depth within the earth.

A typical bearing apparatus includes a stator that does not rotate and a rotor that is attached to the output shaft and rotates with the output shaft. The stator and rotor each includes a plurality of bearing elements, which may be fabricated from polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDCs”) that provide diamond bearing surfaces that bear against each other during use.

The operational lifetime of the bearing apparatuses often determines the useful life of the subterranean drilling system. Therefore, manufacturers and users of subterranean drilling systems continue to seek improved bearing apparatuses to extend the useful life of such bearing apparatuses.

SUMMARY

Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to bearing assemblies that include integrated lubrication, bearing apparatuses including such bearing assemblies, and related methods. For example, a lubricated bearing assembly may include a lubricant that may lubricate bearing surfaces thereof during operation of the lubricated bearing assembly and/or bearing apparatus including the lubricated bearing assembly. Additionally or alternatively, the lubricant included in the lubricated bearing assembly may cool one or more elements or components of the lubricated bearing assembly during operation.

At least one embodiment includes a superhard bearing element that includes a substrate and a superhard table bonded to the substrate. The superhard table includes a superhard bearing surface, and a recess extending from the superhard bearing surface toward the substrate. The superhard bearing element also includes a lubricant body located at least partially within the recess and having an exposed lubrication surface.

At least one embodiment includes a bearing assembly that includes a support ring and a plurality of superhard bearing elements secured to the support ring. Each of the plurality of superhard bearing elements includes a superhard bearing surface. The bearing assembly further includes one or more lubricant bodies each of which includes a lubrication surface that lies approximately on the same imaginary surface as the superhard bearing surfaces.

Furthermore, embodiments include a bearing apparatus that includes a first bearing assembly and a second bearing assembly. The first bearing assembly includes one or more first bearing surfaces. The second bearing assembly includes a plurality of superhard bearing surfaces positioned to engaged with the first bearing surfaces. Moreover, the second bearing assembly includes one or more lubrication surfaces that are approximately coplanar with the plurality of superhard bearing surfaces.

Features from any of the disclosed embodiments may be used in combination with one another, without limitation. In addition, other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art through consideration of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings illustrate several embodiments, wherein identical reference numerals refer to identical or similar elements or features in different views or embodiments shown in the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an isometric cutaway view of a superhard bearing element according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an isometric cutaway view of a superhard bearing element according to another embodiment;

FIG. 3 is an isometric cutaway view of a superhard bearing element according to yet another embodiment;

FIG. 4 is an exploded, isometric view of a superhard bearing element according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5A is an isometric view of a superhard bearing element according to another embodiment;

FIG. 5B is an isometric cutaway view of the superhard bearing element of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6 is an exploded, isometric view of a superhard bearing element according to an embodiment;

FIG. 7 is an isometric cutaway view of a superhard bearing element according to another embodiment;

FIG. 8A is an isometric cutaway view of a superhard bearing element according to yet another embodiment;

FIG. 8B is an isometric cutaway isometric view of a superhard bearing element according to still another embodiment;

FIG. 9A is a top plan view of a lubricated thrust-bearing bearing assembly according to an embodiment;

FIG. 9B is a top plan view of a lubricated thrust-bearing bearing assembly according to another embodiment;

FIG. 9C is a top plan view of a lubricated thrust-bearing bearing assembly according to yet another embodiment;

FIG. 10 is an isometric cutaway view of a lubricated thrust-bearing bearing assembly according to yet another embodiment;

FIG. 11A is an isometric cutaway view of a lubricated thrust-bearing bearing assembly according to still another embodiment;

FIG. 11B is an isometric cutaway view of a lubricated thrust-bearing bearing assembly according to one or more other embodiments;

FIG. 12 is an isometric cutaway view of a lubricated thrust-bearing bearing assembly according to an embodiment;

FIG. 13 is an isometric view of a lubricated thrust-bearing bearing apparatus according to still another embodiment;

FIG. 14 is an isometric cutaway view of a lubricated radial bearing assembly according to an embodiment;

FIG. 15 is an isometric cutaway view of another lubricated radial bearing assembly according to an embodiment;

FIG. 16 is an isometric cutaway view of a radial bearing apparatus according to an embodiment; and

FIG. 17 is an isometric view of a subterranean drilling system according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to bearing elements and bearing assemblies that include integrated lubrication as well as bearing apparatuses including such bearing assemblies, and related methods. For example, a lubricated bearing assembly may include a lubricant that may lubricate bearing surfaces thereof during operation of the lubricated bearing assembly and/or bearing apparatus including the lubricated bearing assembly. Additionally or alternatively, a lubricant body included in the lubricated bearing assembly may cool and/or lubricate one or more elements or components of the lubricated bearing assembly during operation.

In some embodiments, the lubricant body may be included or contained in one or more bearing elements of the lubricated bearing assembly. In alternative or additional embodiments, the lubricant body may be included in or mounted to a support ring of the lubricated bearing assembly. For example, wear at the bearing surfaces of the bearing assembly may expose new lubricant in the lubricant body to the bearing surfaces of the lubricated bearing assembly and/or to an opposing bearing surface (e.g., of an opposing bearing assembly). In any event, in an embodiment, the lubricant may be exposed and/or provided to one or more bearing surfaces during operation of the lubricated bearing assembly.

FIG. 1 illustrates a lubricated superhard bearing element 100, which may be included in a bearing assembly according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein. The superhard bearing element 100 may include a substrate 110 and a superhard table 120 bonded to the substrate 110. For example, the superhard table 120 may include a superhard bearing surface 121. In some embodiments, the superhard bearing surface 121 may be approximately or substantially planar. However, in other embodiments, the bearing surface may be non-planar, such as cylindrically convex, cylindrically concave, semi-spherically convex, semi-spherically concave, etc.

In an embodiment, the superhard bearing element 100 includes a lubricant body 130. The lubricant body 130 may be at least partially located within the superhard bearing element 100. Hence, in an embodiment, the superhard bearing element 100 may include an opening that may house and secure the lubricant body 130 therein. For example, the opening in the superhard bearing element 100 may extend between the superhard bearing surface 121 and a back or mounting surface thereof. In other words, the superhard table 120 may include an opening 122 that may extend to and align with an opening 111 in the substrate 110, forming a through hole or opening in the superhard bearing element 100 in which the lubricant body 130 is disposed.

At least a portion of the lubricant body 130 may be exposed at or near the superhard bearing surface 121 of the superhard table 120. For example, the lubricant body 130 may include a lubrication surface 131 (e.g., which may be substantially coplanar with the superhard bearing surface 121). Accordingly, opposing bearing surface(s) of, for example, another bearing assembly that may contact the superhard bearing surface 121 may also contact the lubrication surface 131 during operation of a bearing assembly that includes the superhard bearing element 100.

Generally, the lubricant body 130 may include any suitable lubricant or combination of multiple lubricants. In some embodiments, the lubricant body 130 may be a dry/solid lubricant, such as graphite, hexagonal boron nitride (“HBN”), molybdenum disulfide, tungsten disulfide, combinations of the foregoing, or another suitable lubricant. Moreover, in some embodiments, the lubricant body 130 may be substantially uniform or monolithic and may have the same or similar size and/or shape as the opening in the superhard bearing element 100 (e.g., as the opening 122 in the superhard table 120). Additionally or alternatively, the lubricant body 130 may include multiple particles positioned inside the openings 111, 122 in the superhard bearing element 100 (e.g., at least a portion of the lubricant body 130 may be in a powder form). In an embodiment, the particles of the lubricant body 130 may be substantially loosely placed together within the opening in the superhard bearing and/or bonded element 100. In some embodiments, the particles of the lubricant body 130 may be compressed and/or bonded together (e.g., within the opening of the superhard bearing element 100). In some embodiments, the lubricant body 130 may be preformed (e.g., a solid cylinder of HBN or graphite) that may be positioned in the openings 111, 122 such as being tightly or loosely press-fit or brazed therein to the superhard table 120 and/or the substrate 110.

In some embodiments, the lubricant body 130 may include a semisolid lubricant such as grease. Suitable examples of grease include silicone-based grease, petroleum-based grease, combinations thereof, or another suitable grease. Moreover, in some embodiments, the lubricant body 130 may include any number of combinations of dry lubricant, solid lubricant, and semisolid lubricant.

In any event, in one or more embodiments, at least some of the lubricant body 130 (e.g., at the lubrication surface 131) may be removed or withdrawn. Specifically, in some embodiments, at least some of the lubricant body 130 may be relocated to at least a portion of the superhard bearing surface 121 of the superhard bearing element 100. For example, friction between the lubricant body 130 (e.g., at the lubrication surface 131) and an opposing bearing surface may remove some of the lubricant body 130 and position and/or distribute the removed lubricant on at least a portion of the superhard bearing surface 121 of the superhard bearing element 100. In other embodiments, erosion of the lubricant body 130 may distribute the lubricant on at least a portion of the superhard bearing surface 121 of the superhard bearing element 100.

In an embodiment, as the superhard table 120 wears (e.g., as the superhard table 120 wears and thickness thereof is reduced), portions of the lubricant body 130 may become exposed and may provide lubricant to at least a portion of the superhard bearing surface 121 and/or to at least a portion of the opposing bearing surface. In some embodiments, the lubrication surface 131 may remain approximately coplanar with the superhard bearing surface 121 during wear thereof. Similarly, if the bearing surface is non-planar, the lubrication surface may follow the general shape of such bearing surface and may recede and provide lubrication as described above.

Furthermore, in an embodiment, at least some of the lubricant body 130 may be pulled, worn, or otherwise removed from of the opening in the superhard bearing element 100 and onto at least a portion of the superhard bearing surface 121 (e.g., some of the lubricant body 130 may adhere to the opposing bearing surface and such adhesion may pull at least some of the lubricant body 130 out of the opening in the superhard bearing element). In an embodiment, removing at least some of the lubricant body 130 out of the superhard bearing element 100 may be caused by erosion of the lubricant body 130 closer to the superhard bearing surface 121 (e.g., a renewed lubrication surface 131 may be formed near the superhard bearing surface 121 as the lubricant body 130 that remains in the superhard bearing element 100 is eroded during operation). That is, as some of the lubricant body 130 at the lubrication surface 131 is removed (e.g., during operation of the bearing assembly), some of the remaining lubricant body 130 at least partially recreates the lubrication surface 131. As such, in some embodiments, the lubricant body 130 may be continually removed from the opening in the superhard bearing element 100 until supply thereof is exhausted. Also, it should be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the lubricant body 130 may be replaced or refilled, as desired.

A peripheral shape of the superhard bearing element 100 and portions thereof (i.e., peripheral shapes of the substrate 110 and superhard table 120) may vary from one embodiment to the next. For example, the substrate 110 and superhard table 120 may have approximately cylindrical shapes as illustrated. However, any suitable shape for the superhard bearing element 100 may be used. Also, in some embodiments, the superhard table 120 may include a chamfer 123 extending between the superhard bearing surface 121 and the peripheral surface of the superhard table 120.

Also, location of the openings 111, 122 in the superhard bearing element 100 relative to the peripheral shape thereof may vary from one embodiment to the next. For example, the opening in the superhard bearing element 100 (e.g., the opening 111 and/or the opening 122) and the lubrication surface 131 may be approximately concentric with a cylindrically-shaped peripheral surface of the superhard bearing element 100. Alternatively, the openings 111, 122 in the superhard bearing element 100 and the corresponding lubrication surface 131 may be offset relative to the centerline of the superhard bearing element 100.

In an embodiment, the superhard table 120 may comprise polycrystalline diamond and the substrate may comprise cobalt-cemented tungsten carbide. Furthermore, in any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the polycrystalline diamond table may be leached to at least partially remove or substantially completely remove a metal-solvent catalyst (e.g., cobalt, iron, nickel, or alloys thereof) that was used to initially sinter precursor diamond particles to form the polycrystalline diamond. In another embodiment, an infiltrant used to re-infiltrate a preformed leached polycrystalline diamond table may be leached or otherwise have a metallic infiltrant removed to a selected depth from a working surface. Moreover, in any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the polycrystalline diamond may be un-leached and include a metal-solvent catalyst (e.g., cobalt, iron, nickel, or alloys thereof) that was used to initially sinter the precursor diamond particles that form the polycrystalline diamond and/or an infiltrant used to re-infiltrate a preformed leached polycrystalline diamond table. Examples of bearing elements, methods for fabricating the superhard bearing elements, and superhard materials and/or structures from which the superhard bearing elements may be made are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,866,418; 7,998,573; 8,034,136; and 8,236,074; the disclosure of each of the foregoing patents is incorporated herein, in its entirety, by this reference.

The diamond particles that may be used to fabricate the superhard table in a high-pressure/high-temperature process (“HPHT)” may exhibit a larger size and at least one relatively smaller size. As used herein, the phrases “relatively larger” and “relatively smaller” refer to particle sizes (by any suitable method) that differ by at least a factor of two (e.g., 30 μm and 15 μm). According to various embodiments, the diamond particles may include a portion exhibiting a relatively larger size (e.g., 70 μm, 60 μm, 50 μm, 40 μm, 30 μm, 20 μm, 15 μm, 12 μm, 10 μm, 8 μm) and another portion exhibiting at least one relatively smaller size (e.g., 15 μm, 12 μm, 10 μm, 8 μm, 6 μm, 5 μm, 4 μm, 3 μm, 2 μm, 1 μm, 0.5 μm, less than 0.5 μm, 0.1 μm, less than 0.1 μm). In an embodiment, the diamond particles may include a portion exhibiting a relatively larger size between about 10 μm and about 40 μm and another portion exhibiting a relatively smaller size between about 1 μm and 4 μm. In another embodiment, the diamond particles may include a portion exhibiting the relatively larger size between about 15 μm and about 50 μm and another portion exhibiting the relatively smaller size between about 5 μm and about 15 μm. In another embodiment, the relatively larger size diamond particles may have a ratio to the relatively smaller size diamond particles of at least 1.5. In some embodiments, the diamond particles may comprise three or more different sizes (e.g., one relatively larger size and two or more relatively smaller sizes), without limitation. The resulting polycrystalline diamond formed from HPHT sintering the aforementioned diamond particles may also exhibit the same or similar diamond grain size distributions and/or sizes as the aforementioned diamond particle distributions and particle sizes. Additionally, in any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the superhard cutting elements may be free-standing (e.g., substrateless) and/or formed from a polycrystalline diamond body that is at least partially or fully leached to remove a metal-solvent catalyst initially used to sinter the polycrystalline diamond body.

As noted above, the superhard table 120 may be bonded to the substrate 110. For example, the superhard table 120 comprising polycrystalline diamond may be at least partially leached and bonded to the substrate 110 with an infiltrant exhibiting a selected viscosity, as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/275,372, entitled “Polycrystalline Diamond Compacts, Related Products, And Methods Of Manufacture,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by this reference. In an embodiment, an at least partially leached polycrystalline diamond table may be fabricated by subjecting a plurality of diamond particles (e.g., diamond particles having an average particle size between 0.5 μm to about 150 μm) to an HPHT sintering process in the presence of a catalyst (e.g., from a substrate), such as cobalt, nickel, iron, or an alloy of any of the preceding metals to facilitate intergrowth between the diamond particles and form a polycrystalline diamond table comprising bonded diamond grains defining interstitial regions having the catalyst disposed within at least a portion of the interstitial regions. The as-sintered polycrystalline diamond table may be leached (e.g., after removal from substrate) by immersion in an acid or subjected to another suitable process to remove at least a portion of the catalyst from the interstitial regions of the polycrystalline diamond table, as described above. The at least partially leached polycrystalline diamond table includes a plurality of interstitial regions that were previously occupied by a catalyst and form a network of at least partially interconnected pores. In an embodiment, the sintered diamond grains of the at least partially leached polycrystalline diamond table may exhibit an average grain size of about 20 μm or less. Subsequent to leaching the polycrystalline diamond table, the at least partially leached polycrystalline diamond table may be bonded to a substrate in an HPHT process via an infiltrant with a selected viscosity. For example, an infiltrant may be selected that exhibits a viscosity that is less than a viscosity typically exhibited by a cobalt cementing constituent of typical cobalt-cemented tungsten carbide substrates (e.g., 8% cobalt-cemented tungsten carbide to 13% cobalt-cemented tungsten carbide).

Additionally or alternatively, the superhard table 120 may be a polycrystalline diamond table that has a thermally-stable region, having at least one low-carbon-solubility material disposed interstitially between bonded diamond grains thereof, as further described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/027,954, entitled “Polycrystalline Diamond Compact Including A Polycrystalline Diamond Table With A Thermally-Stable Region Having At Least One Low-Carbon-Solubility Material And Applications Therefor,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by this reference. The low-carbon-solubility material may exhibit a melting temperature of about 1300° C. or less and a bulk modulus at 20° C. of less than about 150 GPa. The low-carbon-solubility, in combination with the high diamond-to-diamond bond density of the diamond grains, may enable the low-carbon-solubility material to be extruded between the diamond grains and out of the polycrystalline diamond table before causing the polycrystalline diamond table to fail during operations due to interstitial-stress-related fracture.

In some embodiments, the polycrystalline diamond, which may form the superhard table 120, may include bonded-together diamond grains having aluminum carbide disposed interstitially between the bonded-together diamond grains, as further described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/100,388, entitled “Polycrystalline Diamond Compact Including A Polycrystalline Diamond Table Containing Aluminum Carbide Therein And Applications Therefor,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by this reference.

Generally, the opening for the lubricant body and/or the lubrication surface may have any suitable shape, which may vary from one embodiment to the next. FIG. 2 illustrates a superhard bearing element 100 a that includes an approximately rectangular opening 101 a and an approximately rectangular lubrication surface 131 a, according to an embodiment. In some embodiments, the opening 101 a may be a slot that may at least partially pass through a side surface of the superhard bearing element 100 a (e.g., the opening 101 a may extend through the peripheral surface of the superhard bearing element 100 a). Except as otherwise described herein, the superhard bearing element 100 a and its materials, elements, components, or features may be similar to or the same as the superhard bearing element 100 (FIG. 1) and its corresponding materials, elements, components, and features. For example, the superhard bearing element 100 a may include a superhard table 120 a bonded to a substrate 110 a, which may be similar to the respective superhard table 120 and substrate 110 of the superhard bearing element 100 (FIG. 1).

As mentioned above, in an embodiment, the lubrication surface 131 a of the lubricant body 130 a may have an approximately rectangular shape that may include approximately straight major sides 132 a and curved minor sides 133 a (e.g., the minor sides may be defined by an imaginary cylindrical surface that coincides with the peripheral surface of the superhard bearing element 100 a). The lubricant body 130 a may include material similar to or the same as the lubricant body 130 (FIG. 1). Hence, in an embodiment, the lubricant body 130 a may be removed from the lubrication surface 131 a during operation in the same manner as described above.

Moreover, in some embodiments, the opening 101 a may not pass completely through a height of the superhard bearing element 100 a. For example, the opening 101 a may have a depth 102 a (e.g., measured from superhard bearing surface 121 a of the superhard table 120) that may be less than a height 103 a of the superhard bearing element 100 a. Generally, the depth 102 a may vary from one embodiment to the next. In an embodiment, the depth 102 a may be greater than the height of the superhard table 120 a (e.g., the lubricant body 130 a may extend past the interface between the substrate 110 a and the superhard table 120 a). In some embodiments, the depth 102 a of the lubricant body 130 a may be less that the height of the superhard table 120 a. For example, the depth 102 a may be about 250 μm to about 6,000 μm, such as about 500 μm to about 3,500 μm, about 1,000 μm to about 4,000 μm, or about 1,500 μm to about 2,500 μm. Also, the general shape of the opening containing the lubricant body and/or the shape of the lubrication surface may vary from one embodiment to the next.

As described above, for example, the opening may have an approximately circular cross-sectional shape. More specifically, FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment that includes an approximately circular-shaped opening that contains a lubricant body 130 b and does not pass through a superhard bearing element 100 b. Except as otherwise described herein, the superhard bearing element 100 b and its materials, elements, components, or features may be similar to or the same as any of the superhard bearing element 100, 100 a (FIGS. 1, 2) and their corresponding materials, elements, components, and features. For example, the superhard bearing element 100 b may include a superhard table 120 b bonded to the substrate 110 b, which may be similar or identical to the superhard table 120 and substrate 110 of the superhard bearing element 100 (FIG. 1).

The superhard table 120 b may include an opening 122 b in the lubricant body 130 b may be secured and/or positioned. For example, the opening 122 b may have a depth 123 b that may be less than a height 124 b of the superhard table 120 b. In other words, in an embodiment, the lubricant body 130 b may be entirely contained within the superhard table 120 b, and may have an exposed lubrication surface 131 b. For example, the depth 123 b may be about 100 μm to about 1,000 μm, such as about 100 μm to about 500 μm, about 250 μm to about 400 μm, or about 150 μm to about 350 μm. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the lubrication surface 131 b may be approximately coplanar with a superhard bearing surface 121 b of the superhard bearing element 100 b, as described above.

In some embodiments, the lubricant body may not be entirely contained within a recess in the superhard bearing element. For example, lubricant body may be surrounded by one or more superhard bearing elements and/or portions thereof. For example, FIG. 4 illustrates superhard bearing element portions 100 c, 100 c′ which may at least partially surround lubricant body 130 c. Except as otherwise described herein, the superhard bearing elements 100 c, 100 c′ and their respective materials, elements, components, or features may be similar to or the same as any of the superhard bearing elements 100, 100 a, 100 b (FIGS. 1-3) and their corresponding materials, elements, components, and features. For example, the superhard bearing element portions 100 c, 100 c′ may include respective superhard tables 120 c, 120 c′ bonded to corresponding substrates 110 c, 110 c′ similar or identical to the superhard bearing element 100 (FIG. 1).

In an embodiment, the superhard bearing element portion 100 c and the superhard bearing element portions 100 c′ may have approximately semi-cylindrical shapes. For example, the superhard bearing element portions 100 c, 100 c′ may be shaped as partial cylinders. Moreover, in some examples, when assembled together, the superhard bearing element portions 100 c, 100 c′ and lubricant body 130 c may collectively form an approximately cylindrical shape.

As described above the lubricant body 130 e may include a lubrication surface 131 c. Furthermore, for example, similar to the superhard bearing element 100 (FIG. 1), the superhard tables 120 c, 120 c′ may include corresponding chamfers 123 c, 123 c′ (e.g., the chamfer 123 c may extend between superhard bearing surface 121 c and a portion of the peripheral surface of the superhard table 120 c). Also, the lubricant body 130 c may include chamfers 132 c (not all labeled). In some embodiments, the chamfers 132 c may be formed along opposing minor sides thereof.

More specifically, in some embodiments, the chamfers 132 c may extend between the lubrication surface 131 c and respective peripheral surfaces of the minor sides of the lubricant body 130 c. In some examples, when the superhard bearing elements 100 c, 100 c′ and lubricant body 130 c are assembled or placed together, such as to collectively form a cylinder, the chamfers 123 c, 123 c′, and 132 c may align with one another and/or collectively form a chamfer that surrounds the superhard bearing surfaces 121 c, 121 c′ and the lubrication surface 131 c about the periphery thereof. In other words, the chamfer formed collectively by the chamfers 123 c, 123 c,′ and 132 c may extend between the superhard bearing surfaces 121 e, 121 c′ and the lubrication surface 131 c, and a peripheral surface of the cylinder formed by the superhard bearing element 100 c, 100 c′ and the lubricant body 130 e.

In an embodiment, the superhard bearing elements 100 c, 100 c′ and the lubricant body 130 c may be secured together within an opening of a bearing assembly (e.g., in an opening in a support ring, as described below in further detail). Additionally or alternatively, the lubricant body 130 c may be secured or attached to the superhard bearing element 100 c and/or to the superhard bearing element 100 c′. For example, the lubricant body 130 e may be secured or attached to the superhard bearing element 100 c and/or superhard bearing element 100 c′ with an adhesive. In an embodiment, the superhard bearing elements 100 c, 100 c′ and the lubricant body 130 c may be assembled together (e.g., to form a cylinder or a single unit) before installation and/or mounting thereof on the support ring.

In some embodiments, the lubrication surface formed by the lubricant body may laterally enclose or laterally surround at least a portion of a superhard bearing surface. As shown in FIGS. 5A-5B, for example, a superhard bearing element 100 d may include a lubricant body 130 d (FIG. 5B) exhibiting an annular geometry. Optionally, lubricant body 130 d may surround a portion of a bearing surface of the superhard bearing element 100 d. As shown in FIG. 5B, the lubricant body 130 d may include a lubrication surface 131 d formed about an inner portion 122 d of a superhard bearing surface 121 d. Except as otherwise described herein, the superhard bearing element 100 d and its materials, elements, components, or features may be similar to or the same as any of the superhard bearing elements 100, 100 a, 100 b, 100 c, 100 c′ (FIGS. 1-4) and their corresponding materials, elements, components, and features. For example, the superhard bearing element 100 d may include a superhard table 120 d that may be bonded to substrate 110 d, which may be similar to the superhard bearing element 100 (FIG. 1).

In an embodiment, the superhard bearing surface 121 d may have an outer portion 123 d and the inner portion 122 d. In some embodiments, the outer portion 123 d may surround at least a portion of the lubrication surface 131 d. In some embodiments, the lubricant body 130 d may have an approximately tubular or otherwise hollow shape. For example, the inner portion 122 d of the bearing surface 121 d may be located inside the opening of the hollow-shaped lubricant body 130. In other embodiments, lubricant body 130 e may be cylindrical and bearing element 100 e′ may be omitted.

Also, as described above, the lubricant body 130 d may extend into the superhard bearing element 100 d to any suitable depth. In an embodiment, the lubricant body 130 d extends to a depth that is less than the height of the superhard bearing element 100 d. More specifically, the lubricant body 130 d may be contained within the superhard bearing element 100 d. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, a superhard bearing element 100 e may include a through opening 102 e that may accept and/or house a lubricant body 130 e. Furthermore, the lubricant body 130 e may include an opening 132 e that may optionally accept and/or house a superhard bearing element 100 e′. In other words, the superhard bearing element 100 e may at least partially surround the lubricant body 130 e, and the lubricant body 130 e may at least partially surround the superhard bearing element 100 e′. The assembly of the lubricant body 130 e, superhard bearing element 100 e, and lubricant body 130 e may be firmly or loosely press-fit together or brazed together. In other embodiments, lubricant body 130 e may be cylindrical and bearing element 100 e′ may be omitted.

Except as otherwise described herein, the superhard bearing elements 100 e, 100 e′ and their respective materials, elements, components, or features may be similar to or the same as any of the superhard bearing element 100, 100 a, 100 b, 100 c, 100 c′, 100 d (FIGS. 1-5) and their corresponding materials, elements, components, and features. For example, the superhard bearing element 100 e, 100 e′ may include respective superhard table 120 e, 120 e′ bonded to corresponding substrate 110 e, 110 e′ similar to the superhard bearing element 100 (FIG. 1). Furthermore, the lubricant body 130 e may include a lubrication surface 131 e that may be surrounded by a superhard bearing surface 121 e of the superhard table 120 e. Additionally or alternatively, the superhard table 120 e′ may include a superhard bearing surface 121 e′ that may be at least partially surrounded by the lubrication surface 131 e.

In some embodiments, the superhard bearing surfaces 121 e, 121 e′ and the lubrication surface 131 e may be substantially coplanar when assembled together. For example, the superhard bearing surface 121 e, 121 e′ and the lubrication surface 131 e may collectively form or define a planar surface. Alternatively, the superhard bearing surfaces 121 e, 121 e′ and the lubrication surface 131 e may collectively define or lie along a concave or convex surface.

Furthermore, in an embodiment, the lubricant body 130 e may be removable and/or replaceable. For example, the lubricant body 130 e may be replaced (e.g., after a predetermined amount thereof has been exhausted or removed). Accordingly, the lubricant body 130 e may continue providing lubrication to the superhard bearing surface 121 e, 121 e′ after replacement.

In an embodiment, a lubricant body may laterally or peripherally surround at least a portion of the bearing surface of a superhard bearing element. For example, FIG. 7 illustrates a superhard bearing element 100 f and a lubricant body 130 f that lateral surrounds at least a portion of the outermost periphery of superhard bearing surface 121 f of the superhard table 120 f of superhard bearing element 100 f. Except as otherwise described herein, the superhard bearing element 100 f and its materials, elements, components, or features may be similar to or the same as any of the superhard bearing element 100, 100 a, 100 b, 100 c, 100 c′, 100 d, 100 e (FIGS. 1-6) and their corresponding materials, elements, components, and features. For example, the superhard table 120 f includes the superhard bearing surface 121 f, and which may be bonded to substrate 110 f, similar to the superhard bearing element 100 (FIG. 1).

In an embodiment, the lubricant body 130 f may exhibit complete or partial annular geometry that at least partially laterally surrounds the superhard table 120 f and/or superhard bearing surface 121 f For example, the lubricant body 130 f may have a height 132 f, which may be less than or substantially equal to a height or thickness of the superhard bearing element 100 f. In an embodiment, the height 132 f of the lubricant body 130 f may be less than the height or thickness of the superhard table 120 f, such as about 500 μm to about 1000 μm, or about 500 μm to about 750 μm. It should be appreciated, however, that the height 132 f of the lubricant body 130 f may be the same as the thickness of superhard table 120 f or greater than the thickness of the superhard table 120 f, as desired. The lubricant body 130 f may be secured or positioned about the superhard table 102 f via press-fitting, brazing, adhesive bonding, or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the lubricant body 130 f may include a lubrication surface 131 f, which may be approximately coplanar with the superhard bearing surface 121 f As described above, the superhard bearing surface 121 f may be approximately planar, and the lubrication surface 131 f may also be approximately planar and may lie in an approximately the same plane as the superhard bearing surface 121 f. Alternatively, the bearing surface may be nonplanar (e.g., convex, concave, etc.), and the lubrication surface may form an extension to the superhard bearing surface (i.e., the lubrication surface may lie along an imaginary extension of the bearing surface).

Generally, a lubrication body may form an independent component that may be inserted into an opening in the superhard bearing element, positioned about the superhard bearing element bearing element, attached to the superhard bearing element, or combinations thereof. However, in some embodiments, a superhard table may be impregnated with lubricating particles. FIG. 8A illustrates a superhard bearing element 100 g that may include a superhard table 120 g bonded to a substrate 110 g according to one or more embodiments. For example, the superhard table 120 g may include or may be impregnated with lubricant to define a lubricant body 130 g. Except as otherwise described herein, the superhard bearing element 100 g and its materials, elements, components, or features may be similar to or the same as any of the superhard bearing element 100, 100 a, 100 b, 100 c, 100 c′, 100 d, 100 e, 100 f (FIGS. 1-7) and their corresponding materials, elements, components, and features.

As described above, in some embodiments, the superhard table 120 g may include polycrystalline diamond. Moreover, the superhard table 120 g may be at least partially leached (e.g., to remove an infiltrant). In an embodiment, the leached portion of the superhard table 120 g may be backfilled with lubricant to form the lubricant body 130 g, such as HBN particles and/or graphite particles. For example, the superhard table 120 g may be leached to a depth 131 g (as measured from a superhard bearing surface 121 g) and the lubricant body 130 g may be backfilled into the interstitial spaces available after leaching (e.g., to the depth 131 g). For example, HBN particles and/or graphite particles have a size smaller than the interstitial spaces diameter may be used, such as about 1 μm to about 50 μm, or about 5 μm to about 45 μm. For example, the depth 131 g may be 10 μm to about 500 μm, such as about 50 μm to about 250 μm, about 50 μm to about 150 μm, or about 75 μm to about 175 μm.

In an embodiment, the superhard table 120 g may be leached completely or substantially completely leached. For example, leaching the superhard table 120 g may detach the superhard table 120 g from an initial substrate present during HPHT sintering of the superhard table 120 g. Further, the superhard table 120 g may be backfilled to a desired depth, such as to the depth 131 g, with lubricant body 130 g. In an embodiment, the superhard table 120 g may be reattached to the substrate 110 g (e.g., after being backfilled with the lubricant body 130 g), such as via brazing or via an HPHT bonding process. In an embodiment, the superhard table 120 g may be first reattached to the substrate and backfilled with lubricant material thereafter.

In some embodiments, the lubricant body 130 g may form an approximately uniform layer or portion of the superhard table 120 g. For example, the lubricant body 130 g may have an approximately even or uniform distribution with the superhard table 120 g to the depth 131 g. Moreover, distribution of the lubricant body 130 g within the superhard table 120 g may terminate at the depth 131 g (e.g., at the depth 131 g the lubricant body 130 g may form or follow an imaginary surface that may be generally parallel to the superhard bearing surface 121 g). For example, the depth 131 g of the lubricant body 130 g may be approximately uniform. In some embodiments, the entire superhard bearing surface 121 g may include lubricant body 130 g impregnated into the superhard table 120 g.

In one or more embodiments, lubricant may be added to and/or impregnated into the superhard table 120 g. For example, lubricant may be rubbed, burnished, or otherwise applied to the surface of the superhard table 120 g. Additionally or alternatively, the lubricant may be dispersed, infiltrated, or impregnated into an unleached and/or backfilled superhard table 120 g. In some embodiments, solids, such as HBN and/or boric acid may be impregnated into the unleached and/or backfilled superhard table 120 g to form the lubricant body 130 g.

FIG. 8B illustrates a superhard bearing element 100 h that includes a superhard bearing surface 121 h formed by superhard table 120 h according to an embodiment. Except as otherwise described herein, the superhard bearing element 100 h and its materials, elements, components, or features may be similar to or the same as any of the superhard bearing elements 100, 100 a, 100 b, 100 c, 100 c′, 100 d, 100 e, 100 f, 100 g (FIGS. 1-8A) and their corresponding materials, elements, components, and features. In an embodiment, only a portion of the superhard bearing surface 121 h may include lubricant body 130 h that may be impregnated into the superhard table 120 h.

In an embodiment, an inner portion 122 h of the superhard bearing surface 121 h may be free of the lubricant body 130 h. For example, an outer portion 123 h of the superhard bearing surface 121 h may include the lubricant body 130 h, with the outer portion 123 h may surround the inner portion 122 h. In some embodiments, the portion of the superhard bearing surface 121 h that includes the lubricant body 130 h as well as the portion of the superhard bearing surface 121 h that is substantially free of the lubricant body 130 h may have any number of suitable shapes and configurations (e.g., an inner portion of the bearing surface may include lubricant body while an outer portion of the bearing service may be substantially free of a lubricant material). For example, the outer portion 123 h may be selectively leached to remove, for example, a catalyst from the superhard table 120 h made of polycrystalline diamond to selectively form a leached region having a selected geometry such as the annular geometry shown in FIG. 8B. The outer portion 123 h may then be backfilled with lubricant to form the lubricant body 130 h by any of the techniques previously described.

FIG. 9A illustrates a thrust-bearing assembly 200 according to an embodiment. In some embodiments, the thrust-bearing assembly 200 includes a support ring 210 and a plurality of superhard bearing elements 100 a secured to the support ring 210 (not all labeled), with each of the superhard bearing elements 100 a including a superhard bearing surface 121 a. More specifically, the superhard bearing elements 100 a may be secured to the support ring 210 with any number of suitable techniques, such as by brazing, press-fitting, threadedly attaching, fastening with a fastener, combinations of the foregoing, or another suitable technique. The superhard bearing elements 100 a may be arranged in one or more rows about the support ring 210 (e.g., about a rotation axis). Generally, the support ring 210 may include any suitable material or combination of materials, which may vary from one embodiment to another. For example, the support ring 210 may be manufactured from steel (e.g., alloy, tool steel, etc.), stainless steel, cemented carbide (e.g., cobalt-cemented tungsten carbide), or combinations thereof, etc. Additionally, the thrust-bearing assembly 200 may include an opening 220, which may accept a rotating or stationary machine element or component, such as a shaft (described below in more detail).

In an embodiment, each of the superhard bearing elements 100 a includes a lubricant body and a lubrication surface 131 a (not all labeled) formed thereby. Generally, the thrust-bearing assembly 200 may include one or more of any of the superhard bearing elements described herein as well as combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the thrust-bearing assembly 200 includes a plurality of superhard bearing elements 100 a, each having a slot therein, which secures each lubricant body.

Generally, orientation of the superhard bearing elements 100 a may vary from one embodiment to another. In some embodiments, the superhard bearing elements 100 a may be oriented such that one, some, or all of the major sides of the lubrication surfaces 131 a may be approximately or substantially aligned with a radius of the of the support ring 210 (e.g., extending from a center of rotation of the support ring 210 to center of the corresponding superhard bearing element 100 a). In other words, the major sides of the lubrication surfaces 131 a may extend toward the center of rotation of the thrust-bearing assembly 200 (e.g., may be parallel to one or more radii of the support ring 210).

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9B, a thrust-bearing assembly 200′ may include superhard bearing elements 100 a that may have lubrication surface(s) 131 a oriented in a non-parallel manner relative to one or more radii of the support ring 210. For example, the major sides of one, some, or all of the lubrication surfaces 131 a may be approximately perpendicular to corresponding radii that may extend from the center of rotation to centers of corresponding superhard bearing elements 100 a.

FIG. 9C illustrates a thrust-bearing assembly 200 a that has one or more superhard bearing elements 100 a that do not include lubrication surface, and superhard bearing elements 100 n each of which includes a lubrication surface 131 a. Each of the superhard bearing elements 100 a, 100 n (not all labeled) may be secured to a support ring 210 a. Except as otherwise described herein, the thrust-bearing assembly 200 a and its materials, elements, components, or features may be similar to or the same as the thrust-bearing assembly 200 (FIG. 9A) and corresponding materials, elements, components, and features.

In some embodiments, the superhard bearing elements 100 a and the superhard bearing elements 100 n may be alternatingly circumferentially positioned about a support ring 210 a (e.g., each superhard bearing elements 100 a may be followed by and may be adjacent to superhard bearing elements 100 n). Alternatively, the superhard bearing elements 100 a and/or the superhard bearing elements 100 n may be grouped together, such that several of the superhard bearing elements 100 a are positioned circumferentially next to one another and/or several superhard bearing elements 100 n are positioned circumferentially next to one another. It should be appreciated, however, that particular arrangement and alternating or non-alternating combinations of the superhard bearing elements 100 a and 100 n may vary from one embodiment to the next.

In some embodiments, the exposed top surfaces of the superhard elements 100 a may be entirely comprised of lubricant (e.g., the lubricant surfaces 131 a may cover the entire surface of the elements 100 a). In other words, the superhard bearing elements 100 n may alternate with elements that have the entire top surfaces thereof formed by a lubricant. For example, the superhard bearing elements 100 n may alternate with elements that include a lubricant body (e.g., graphite) forming the bearing surfaces thereof.

Generally, a lubricant body may be positioned at any suitable location within one or more superhard bearing elements/attached to a support ring. Furthermore, a lubrication surface may be positioned at any suitable location relative to the superhard bearing surface and/or relative to a center of the superhard bearing surface. FIG. 10, for example, illustrates a thrust-bearing assembly 200 b that includes superhard bearing elements 100 p, 100 q, 100 r secured to a support ring 210 b. The superhard bearing elements 100 p, 100 q, 100 r may include corresponding superhard bearing surfaces 121 p, 121 q, 121 r and lubrication surfaces 131 p, 131 q, 131 r (not all labeled).

Generally, the lubrication surfaces 131 p, 131 q, 131 r may be smaller than the superhard bearing surfaces 121 p, 121 q 121 r. The lubrication surfaces 131 p, 131 q, 131 r may be arranged such that the lubricant may be distributed to multiple locations or regions on one or more of the superhard bearing surfaces 121 p, 121 q, 121 r. More specifically, in an embodiment, a center of the lubrication surface 131 p may be aligned with a center of the superhard bearing surfaces 121 p (e.g., concentrically aligned), and centers of the lubrication surface 131 q, 131 r may be offset from respective centers of the superhard bearing surfaces 121 q, 121 r.

Moreover, the superhard bearing element 100 p, 100 q, 100 r may be arranged sequentially on the support ring 210 b. For example, the lubrication surface 131 p, 131 q, 131 r of the respective adjacently positioned superhard bearing element 100 p, 100 q, 100 r may be offset (e.g., radially and/or laterally) relative to one another. In an embodiment, as an opposing bearing surface and the superhard bearing surfaces 121 p, 121 q, 121 r rotate relative to and/or in contact with each other, the lubrication surfaces 131 p, 131 q, 131 r may lubricate different radial portions of opposing bearing surface(s).

In some embodiments, the lubricant body may at least partially laterally surround one or more bearing elements of a bearing assembly. FIGS. 11A-11B illustrate bearing assemblies 200 c, 200 c′ that include superhard bearing elements laterally surrounded by a lubricant body, according to one or more embodiments. The thrust-bearing assembly 200 c includes superhard bearing elements 100 t laterally surrounded by a lubricant body 130 t. Except as otherwise described herein, the thrust-bearing assembly 200 c and its materials, elements, components, or features may be similar to or the same as any of the bearing assemblies 200, 200 a, 200 b (FIGS. 9A-10) and their corresponding materials, elements, components, and features.

In an embodiment, all of the superhard bearing elements 100 t may be laterally surrounded by the lubricant body 130 t, which may include a lubrication surface 131 t. For example, each of the superhard bearing elements 100 t may include a superhard table 120 t that may be at least partially laterally surrounded by the lubricant body 130 t. As described above, each of the superhard tables 120 t (not all labeled) may include a superhard bearing surface 121 t. In some embodiments, the lubrication surface 131 t may be substantially coplanar with one, some, or all of the superhard bearing surfaces 121 t and/or may provide additional surface area for supporting and/or carrying load experienced by the thrust-bearing assembly 200 c, which may increase the bearing load that the thrust-bearing assembly 200 c may carry during operation (e.g., as compared with a bearing assembly that does not include a lubrication surface that surrounds at least some of the bearing surfaces).

As described above, the lubricant body 130 t may include any suitable lubricant or combinations thereof. Moreover, the lubricant body 130 t may be substantially solid and/or monolithic. For example, the lubricant body 130 t may be manufactured from a single piece or from multiple pieces or blocks of graphite by machining such piece(s) to include openings to accommodate the superhard bearing elements 100 t (e.g., to accommodate superhard bearing surfaces 121 t. Additionally or alternatively, powder lubricant (e.g., graphite powder, tungsten disulfide powder, or molybdenum disulfide powder) may be compressed (cold-pressed, hot-pressed, etc.) together to form a substantially unitary lubricant body 130 t. In some embodiments, a lubricant body may comprise a composite material, such as, for example lubricant powder, lubricant whiskers, or lubricant fibers may be placed into a matrix (e.g., graphite powder in an epoxy matrix), which collectively may form a unitary lubricant body 130 t.

In an embodiment, the lubrication surface 131 t and the superhard bearing surface 121 t may collectively form a substantially monolithic surface. For example, the superhard bearing surface 121 t may carry at least some of the thrust load experienced by the thrust-bearing assembly 200 c of the thrust-bearing assembly 200 c. In some embodiments, the lubrication surface 131 t may carry at least some of the load experienced by the thrust-bearing assembly 200 c and may supply lubrication to the superhard bearing surfaces 121 t and/or to an opposing bearing surface.

For example, as an opposing bearing surface rotates relative to and/or in contact with the lubrication surface 131 t, relative rotation of the opposing bearing surface and the lubrication surface 131 t may provide lubrication to the opposing bearing surface and/or to the superhard bearing surfaces 121 t. As mentioned above, lubrication between the opposing surface and the superhard bearing surfaces 121 t may reduce friction and/or heat generated during the relative rotation of the superhard bearing surfaces 121 t and the opposing bearing surface.

In an embodiment, the lubricant body 130 t may include a sharp edge between the lubrication surface 131 t and an inner peripheral surface of the lubricant body 130 t. Similarly, the lubricant body 130 t may include a sharp edge between the lubrication surface 131 t and an outward peripheral surface of the lubricant body 130 t. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 11B, the thrust-bearing assembly 200 c′ may include a lubricant body 130 t′ that may include a chamfer 132 t′, according to an embodiment. Except as otherwise described herein, the thrust-bearing assembly 200 c′ and its materials, elements, components, or features may be similar to or the same as any of the bearing assemblies 200, 200 a, 200 b, 200 c (FIGS. 9A-11A) and their corresponding materials, elements, components, and features. For example, the lubricant body 130 t′ may be similar to the lubricant body 130 t (e.g., with the exception of the chamfer 132 t, which may be formed between a lubrication surface 131 f and an outer peripheral surface of the lubricant body 130 t′).

Also, as described above, in some embodiments, only some superhard bearing elements of a bearing assembly may be surrounded by the lubricant body, while other superhard bearing elements may be exposed and/or substantially free of the lubricant body. FIG. 12 illustrates a thrust-bearing assembly 200 d that includes superhard bearing elements 100 d (not all labeled) mounted on a support ring 210 d. Except as otherwise described herein, the thrust-bearing assembly 200 d and its materials, elements, components, or features may be similar to or the same as any of the bearing assemblies 200, 200 a, 200 b, 200 c, 200 c′ (FIGS. 9A-11B) and their corresponding materials, elements, components, and features. For example, the support ring 210 d may be similar to or the same as the support ring 210 (FIG. 9A).

In an embodiment, different groups of the superhard bearing elements 100 d may be at least partially or entirely surrounded by respective lubricant bodies 130 d. For example, the thrust-bearing assembly 200 d may include regions 201 d, 203 d that each have superhard bearing elements 100 d (in those regions) completely surrounded by a respective lubricant body 130 d. Additionally or alternatively, the thrust-bearing assembly 200 d may include one or more portions that include superhard bearing elements 100 d that are not enclosed or surrounded by a lubricant body (e.g., region 202 d). Along the portion 202 d, for example, the superhard bearing elements 100 d may be at least partially exposed and not surrounded by a lubricant body.

In an embodiment, each of the superhard bearing elements 100 d may include a superhard table 120 d that may have a superhard bearing surface 121 (not all labeled). For example, within regions 201 d and 203 d, the superhard tables 120 d may be surrounded by the respective portions of the lubricant body 130 d, while in the region 202 d, at least a portion of the superhard table 120 d may be exposed. In some embodiments, the regions including a lubrication body may alternate with other regions (e.g., on the support ring 210 d, the portions 201 d, 202 d, 203 d may be sequentially located about a center axis or rotation axis of the thrust-bearing assembly 200 d.

Under some operating conditions, absence of the lubricant body 130 d in the region 202 d of the thrust-bearing assembly 200 d may facilitate air flow and/or fluid (e.g., drilling mud) through the thrust-bearing assembly 200 d and the bearing apparatus that includes the thrust-bearing assembly 200 d. For example, air and/or fluid (e.g., drilling mud) may flow about and between the superhard bearing elements 100 d (e.g., about and between the superhard tables 120 d) in the region 202 d. Such air and/or fluid flow may cool the thrust-bearing assembly 200 d, one or more of the superhard bearing surfaces 121 d, a bearing surface opposing the superhard bearing surface 121 d, an opposing bearing assembly, or combinations thereof. Moreover, in some embodiments, the opposing bearing surface may contact and/or move over the lubrication surfaces 131 d in the regions 201 d, 203 d of the thrust-bearing assembly 200 (e.g., in the regions 201 d, 203 d), such that the lubricant therefrom contacts and/or adheres to at least some of the opposing bearing surface. In at least one embodiment, the lubricant from the regions 201 d, 203 d may contact one or more of the superhard bearing surface 121 d.

As mentioned above, the bearing surface(s) of a first bearing assembly may engage and/or may be in contact with one or more opposing bearing surfaces. FIG. 13 illustrates a bearing apparatus 300 that includes a first thrust-bearing assembly 200 e and a second, opposing thrust-bearing assembly 200 f engaged with the first thrust-bearing assembly 200 e. Except as otherwise described herein, the bearing assemblies 200 e and 200 f and their respective materials, elements, components, or features may be similar to or the same as any of the bearing assemblies 200, 200 a, 200 b, 200 c, 200 c′, 200 d (FIGS. 9A-12) and their corresponding materials, elements, components, and features. For example, the first thrust-bearing assembly 200 e may be the same as the thrust-bearing assembly 200 b (FIG. 10).

The first thrust-bearing assembly 200 e and the second thrust-bearing assembly 200 f may include opposing bearing surfaces that may be in contact with each other during operation. Also, in some embodiments, as mentioned above, the first thrust-bearing assembly 200 e may include one or more lubrication surfaces (e.g., lubrication surface 131 e) in contact with one or more superhard bearing surfaces of the second thrust-bearing assembly 200 f. For example, the lubricant from the lubrication surface 131 e may contact or interact with one or more superhard bearing surfaces of the first thrust-bearing assembly 200 e and/or the second thrust-bearing assembly 200 f and/or may adhere thereto (e.g., electrostatically, chemically, mechanically, combinations thereof, etc.).

Generally, the first thrust-bearing assembly 200 e may be a stator, while the second thrust-bearing assembly 200 f may be a rotor, or vice versa. Moreover, in some embodiments, both the first thrust-bearing assembly 200 e and the second thrust-bearing assembly 200 f may rotate. In any case, under some operating conditions, the respective superhard bearing surfaces of the first thrust-bearing assembly 200 e and the second thrust-bearing assembly 200 f may rotate relative to one another and/or may be in contact with one another. In an embodiment, as the respective superhard bearing surfaces of the first thrust-bearing assembly 200 e and the second thrust-bearing assembly 200 f move relative to each other, the lubricant (e.g., from the lubrication surface 131 e) may lubricate the superhard bearings surfaces and/or reduce friction therebetween. Also, in some embodiments, both the first thrust-bearing assembly 200 e and second thrust-bearing assembly 200 f may include one or more lubrication surfaces, which may supply lubrication to at least some of the superhard bearing surfaces of the first thrust-bearing assembly 200 e and second thrust-bearing assembly 200 f.

In one or more embodiments, the bearing assembly may be a radial bearing assembly. FIG. 14 illustrates a first radial bearing assembly 400 that includes superhard bearing surfaces 121 g, 121 h, 121 j and lubrication surfaces 131 g, 131 h, 131 j. Except as otherwise described herein, the radial bearing assembly 400 and its respective materials, elements, components, or features may be similar to or the same as any of the thrust-bearing assemblies 200, 200 a, 200 b, 200 c, 200 c′, 200 d, 200 e, 200 f (FIGS. 9A-13) and their corresponding materials, elements, components, and features. For example, the radial bearing assembly 400 may include superhard bearing elements 100 g, 100 h, 100 j (not all labeled) mounted on a support ring 410 (e.g., the superhard bearing elements 100 g, 100 h, 100 j may be radially distributed about center axis or rotation axis of the radial bearing assembly 400); the superhard bearing elements 100 g, 100 h, 100 j may be similar (e.g., except in bearing surface geometry) to superhard bearing elements 100 r, 100 q, 100 p of the thrust-bearing assembly 200 b (FIG. 10). The superhard bearing elements 100 r, 100 q, 100 p may have approximately cylindrical shapes and/or the lubrication surfaces 131 g, 131 h, 131 j (not all labeled) may have approximately circular shapes.

In an example, superhard bearing elements 100 g, 100 h, 100 j may include corresponding superhard tables 120 g, 120 h, 120 j (not all labeled), which may have the corresponding arcuate superhard bearing surfaces 121 g, 121 h, 121 j (not all labeled). In some embodiments, the superhard bearing surfaces 121 g, 121 h, 121 j and the lubrication surface 131 g, 131 h, 131 j may lie along an approximately cylindrical imaginary surface (e.g., the superhard bearing surfaces 121 g, 121 h, 121 j and the lubrication surfaces 131 g, 131 h, 131 j may be approximately concave). In an embodiment, the superhard bearing surfaces 121 g, 121 h, 121 j and the lubrication surfaces 131 g, 131 h, 131 j may collectively carry the load experienced by the radial bearing assembly 400.

In one or more embodiments, the superhard bearing elements 100 g, 100 h, 100 j may include lubricant body therein, which may form corresponding lubrication surfaces 131 g, 131 h, 131 j. For example, lubricant body 130 j (not all labeled) may for or include the lubrication surface 131 j, which may provide lubrication to the superhard bearing surfaces of the radial bearing assembly 400 and/or to an opposing bearing surface. In an embodiment, the lubricant body 130 j may extend between the support ring 410 and the lubrication surface 131 j (e.g., the superhard bearing element 100 j may be similar, other than geometry, to the superhard bearing element 100 (FIG. 1)).

The bearing surface of the radial bearing assembly 400 may be engaged and/or in contact with an opposing bearing surface. For example, FIG. 15 illustrates a second radial bearing assembly 500, which may include one or more bearing surfaces that may engage the superhard bearing surfaces of the radial bearing assembly 400 (FIG. 14) during operation. Except as otherwise described herein, the radial bearing assembly 500 and its respective materials, elements, components, or features may be similar to or the same as any of the thrust-bearing assemblies 200, 200 a, 200 b, 200 c, 200 c′, 200 d, 200 e, 200 f and the radial bearing assembly 400 (FIGS. 9A-14) and their corresponding materials, elements, components, and features. For example, the radial bearing assembly 500 may include superhard bearing elements 100 k (not all labeled) that may be similar to the superhard bearing element 100 j (FIG. 14).

In some embodiments, the superhard bearing elements 100 k may have convex superhard bearing surface 121 k formed by superhard table 120 k of the superhard bearing elements 100 k. Generally, the superhard bearing elements 100 k may be mounted on a support ring 510 (e.g., the superhard bearing elements 100 k may be radially distributed about a rotation axis of the radial bearing assembly 500). In an embodiment, the radial bearing assembly 500 may include one or more lubrication surfaces, such as lubrication surface 131 k, which may be formed by a lubricant body 130 k located inside the superhard bearing elements 100 k. It should be appreciated that, as described above, the particular lubricant body and/or lubrication surfaces of the radial bearing assembly 500 may vary from one embodiment to the next.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, the second radial bearing assembly 500 and the first radial bearing assembly 400 may be assembled to together to form a radial bearing apparatus 600 according to one or more embodiments. For example, the superhard bearing surfaces (e.g., superhard bearing surfaces 121 g (not all labeled)) and/or lubrication surfaces (e.g., lubrication surface 131 g) of the radial bearing assembly 400 may be in contact with the bearing surfaces (e.g., superhard bearing surfaces 121 k (not all labeled)) of the second radial bearing assembly 500. In some embodiments, as mentioned above, the second radial bearing assembly 500 also may include one or more lubrication surfaces (e.g., lubrication surface 131 k), which may be in contact with one or more bearing surfaces (e.g., superhard bearing surface 121 g) of the radial bearing assembly 400.

In an embodiment, at least a portion of the radial bearing assembly 400 may be free of lubrication surfaces (e.g., the superhard bearing surfaces may be continuous and without lubrication surfaces therein, the superhard bearing elements may be located in a region without lubricant bodies of the radial bearing assembly 400, etc.). Similarly, at least a portion of the second radial bearing assembly 500 may be free of lubricant bodies. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the first radial bearing assembly 400 may be free of lubricant therein, and lubricant from the second radial bearing assembly 500 may be supplied to the bearing surfaces of the first radial bearing assembly 400. Conversely, in an embodiment, the second radial bearing assembly 500 may be free of lubricant therein, and lubricant from the first radial bearing assembly 400 may be supplied to the bearing surfaces of the second radial bearing assembly 500.

FIG. 17 is a schematic isometric cutaway view of a subterranean drilling system 700 according to an embodiment. The subterranean drilling system 700 may include a housing 760 enclosing a downhole drilling motor 762 (i.e., a motor, turbine, or any other device capable of rotating an output shaft) that may be operably connected to an output shaft 756. A thrust-bearing apparatus 300 a may be operably coupled to the downhole drilling motor 762. The thrust-bearing apparatus 300 a may be configured as any of the previously described thrust-bearing apparatus embodiments (e.g., thrust-bearing apparatus 300 shown in FIG. 13).

Additionally or alternatively, the subterranean drilling system 700 may include a radial bearing apparatus 600 a operably connected to the output shaft 756 and/or to the housing 760. The radial bearing apparatus 600 a may be configured as any of the previously described radial bearing apparatus embodiments (e.g., the radial bearing apparatus 600 shown in FIG. 16). For example, the radial bearing apparatus 600 a may include first radial bearing assembly (e.g., a stator) and second radial bearing assembly (e.g., a rotor) that maybe operably connected to the housing 760 and to the output shaft 756, respectively.

A rotary drill bit 768 may be configured to engage a subterranean formation and drill a borehole and may be connected to the output shaft 756. The rotary drill bit 768 is a fixed-cutter drill bit and is shown comprising a bit body 790 having radially-extending and longitudinally-extending blades 792 with a plurality of PDCs secured to the blades 792. However, other embodiments may utilize different types of rotary drill bits, such as core bits and/or roller-cone bits. As the borehole is drilled, pipe sections may be connected to the subterranean drilling system first thrust-bearing assembly thrust-bearing apparatus 300 a to form a drill string capable of progressively drilling the borehole to a greater size or depth within the earth.

In operation, drilling fluid may be circulated through the downhole drilling motor 762 to generate torque and rotate the output shaft 756 and the rotary drill bit 768 attached thereto so that a borehole may be drilled. A portion of the drilling fluid may also be used to lubricate and/or cool opposing bearing surfaces of the stators and rotors of the radial bearing apparatus 600 a and/or of the thrust-bearing apparatus 300 a. In some operating conditions, as mentioned above, the drilling fluid may facilitate cooling of the radial bearing apparatus 600 a and/or of the thrust-bearing apparatus 300 a. In some embodiments, substantially no drilling fluid may be used to lubricate the radial bearing apparatus 600 a and/or the thrust-bearing apparatus 300 a and, instead, one or more lubricant bodies incorporated in the radial bearing apparatus 600 a and/or the thrust-bearing apparatus 300 a may be used for lubrication.

Although the bearing assemblies and apparatuses described above have been discussed in the context of subterranean drilling systems and applications, in other embodiments, the bearing assemblies and apparatuses disclosed herein are not limited to such use and may be used for many different applications, if desired, without limitation. Thus, such bearing assemblies and apparatuses are not limited for use with subterranean drilling systems and may be used with various mechanical systems, without limitation.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments are contemplated. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting. Additionally, the words “including,” “having,” and variants thereof (e.g., “includes” and “has”) as used herein, including the claims, shall be open ended and have the same meaning as the word “comprising” and variants thereof (e.g., “comprise” and “comprises”). 

What is claimed is:
 1. A superhard bearing element, comprising: a substrate; a superhard table bonded to the substrate and having a superhard bearing surface; and a solid lubricant body having an exposed lubrication surface; wherein the lubrication surface lies approximately on a same imaginary surface as the superhard bearing surface.
 2. The superhard bearing element of claim 1, wherein the solid lubricant body is at least partially enclosed by the superhard table.
 3. The superhard bearing element of claim 2, wherein a center of the lubrication surface is generally concentric with a center of the superhard bearing surface.
 4. The superhard bearing element of claim 3, wherein: the lubrication surface is generally circular and has a first diameter; and the superhard bearing surface is generally circular and has a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter of the lubrication surface.
 5. The superhard bearing element of claim 2, wherein a center of the lubrication surface is offset relative to a center of the superhard bearing surface.
 6. The superhard bearing element of claim 1, wherein the superhard table is at least partially enclosed by the solid lubricant body.
 7. The superhard bearing element of claim 6, wherein: the lubrication surface is generally circular and has a first diameter; and the superhard bearing surface is generally circular and has a second that is smaller than the first diameter.
 8. The superhard bearing element of claim 1, wherein the solid lubrication body directly contacts the superhard table and the substrate.
 9. The superhard bearing element of claim 1, wherein the superhard bearing surface includes a first portion and a second portion, and the first portion of the superhard bearing surface is at least partially enclosed by the lubrication surface, and the second portion of the superhard bearing surface is at least partially enclosed by the lubrication surface.
 10. A bearing assembly, comprising: a support ring; a plurality of superhard bearing elements secured to the support ring, each of the plurality of superhard bearing elements including a superhard bearing surface; and one or more solid lubricant bodies secured to the support ring, each of the one or more lubricant bodies including a lubrication surface that is positioned near at least one of the superhard bearing surfaces.
 11. The bearing assembly of claim 10, wherein each of the lubrication surfaces lies approximately on a same imaginary surface as each of the superhard bearing surfaces.
 12. The bearing assembly of claim 10, wherein the imaginary surface is generally planar.
 13. The bearing assembly of claim 10, wherein the imaginary surface is convex or concave.
 14. The bearing assembly of claim 10, wherein at least one of the one or more lubricant bodies is located at least partially inside at least one of the plurality of superhard bearing elements.
 15. The bearing assembly of claim 14, wherein the superhard bearing surface of the at least one of the plurality of superhard bearing elements includes a first portion and a second portion, and the first portion of the at least one superhard bearing surface is at least partially enclosed by the lubrication surface, and the second portion of the at least one superhard bearing surface at least partially encloses the at least one lubrication surface.
 16. The bearing assembly of claim 14, wherein: a center of a first lubrication surface is generally concentric with a center of a first superhard bearing surface of the plurality of superhard bearing surfaces; and a center of a second lubrication surface is offset from a center of a second superhard bearing surface of the plurality of superhard bearing surfaces.
 17. The bearing assembly of claim 10, wherein the lubrication surface at least partially surrounds two or more superhard bearing surfaces of the plurality of superhard bearing surfaces.
 18. A bearing apparatus, comprising: a first bearing assembly having one or more first bearing surfaces; and a second bearing assembly including: a plurality of superhard bearing surfaces positioned to contact the one or more first bearing surfaces during operation; and one or more solid lubrication surfaces each of which is positioned at least proximate to at least one of the plurality of superhard bearing surfaces.
 19. The bearing apparatus of claim 18, wherein the one or more solid lubrication surfaces are positioned to contact the one or more first bearing surface during relative rotation of the first bearing assembly and the second bearing assembly.
 20. The bearing apparatus of claim 18, wherein the second bearing assembly includes at least one of the one or more solid lubricant bodies.
 21. The bearing apparatus of claim 18, wherein the one or more solid lubrication surfaces lies approximately on a same imaginary surface as each of the superhard bearing surfaces. 